Location · 914 published stories · 205 outlets · All places
The standoff over the Strait of Hormuz is entering a dangerous new phase as US and Iranian forces trade fire, negotiations stutter, and Tehran's oil exports fall to a six-year low. US intelligence assesses Iran can withstand the blockade for months, while diplomatic efforts, including Pakistan-led mediation, struggle to gain traction.
Pro-Palestinian activists deported after their Gaza-bound flotilla was intercepted by Israeli forces have alleged abuse, including sexual assault and rape, while in detention. Organizers report at least 15 cases, while Israel's prison service denies the allegations. Several governments have expressed concern and are investigating possible crimes.
A Qatari negotiating team has arrived in Tehran in coordination with the United States to help secure a deal to end the war with Iran, according to multiple sources. Qatar's involvement comes as it has previously been attacked by Iranian missiles and drones, and as Pakistan continues its official mediatory role.
Iran’s Supreme Leader has directed that the country’s stockpile of uranium enriched to 60 percent must not be sent abroad, hardening Tehran’s position against a core U.S. demand. Roughly 440 kilograms of the material is believed to be held in Iran, short of weapons-grade levels but closer than civilian needs require. Officials on multiple sides differ sharply over whether and how any transfer could occur.
As the US awaits Tehran's response to a draft peace agreement circulated by Donald Trump, control over the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's highly enriched uranium stockpile remain key sticking points. Iranian officials assert the strait's strategic value, while Pakistani mediators push for a permanent ceasefire.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says over 30 commercial vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz in the last day, following its establishment of a safe maritime route. The announcement comes amid heightened regional tensions following US and Israeli military operations against Iran in late February.
Sri Lankan authorities have arrested over 1,000 foreigners for alleged cybercrime since the start of the year, a sharp increase from previous years, raising concerns that scam operations are relocating from Southeast Asia. Both ABC Australia and the South China Morning Post attribute the trend to crackdowns in Cambodia and Myanmar, with Sri Lanka's relaxed visa regime and reliable internet attracting criminal networks.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed hope for progress in ending the war with Iran, as Pakistani mediators prepare to travel to Tehran for talks. A ceasefire has held since April 8, but negotiations have yet to yield a lasting agreement, with the future of the Strait of Hormuz remaining a key sticking point.
During Operation Epic Fury, US forces expended more than half of their THAAD interceptor stockpile defending Israel against Iranian missiles, according to US officials. In response, Lockheed Martin has begun construction on a new production facility in Alabama, while allies like Japan and South Korea express concern over stockpile depletion.
Australian share market futures indicate gains as diplomatic hopes ease US-Iran tensions, with oil prices dropping on peace prospects. SpaceX's IPO priced at $135 per share, raising a record $75 billion.
President Donald Trump has publicly opposed any toll system for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, insisting it remains an international waterway. Reports indicate Iran is in talks with Oman to establish such fees, but the U.S. maintains that any such move would complicate diplomatic negotiations.
Iranian military officials have reiterated readiness to counter any aggression, with President Masoud Pezeshkian vowing continued support for the armed forces. The statements follow recent US strikes and a cancelled strike, amid ongoing tensions and ceasefire efforts.
Iran striker Sardar Azmoun, omitted from the national team's preliminary World Cup squad, has posted a heartfelt social media message declaring his love for his country and wishing the team success. The omission follows reports linking it to a perceived act of disloyalty after he met Dubai's ruler.
During Indian PM Narendra Modi's visit to the Netherlands, Indian officials dismissed Dutch PM Rob Jetten's concerns about press freedom and minority rights, citing a 'lack of understanding' of India's diversity. The visit saw the elevation of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership.
Reports describe a tense phone call between President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu over Iran, with Netanyahu favoring renewed strikes and Trump leaning toward a diplomatic deal. Israeli sources say Israel feels sidelined in US-Iran talks, while some analysts suggest the public discord is a calculated feint. Trump publicly praised Netanyahu, saying he will 'do whatever I want him to do.'
US President Donald Trump has said Washington is ready for further strikes on Iran if no peace deal is reached, while signalling patience of a few days to secure acceptable terms. Negotiations centre on Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions and the Strait of Hormuz, with US officials stressing military readiness and regional partners joining a defensive shipping mission.
Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has made two visits to Tehran in a week to help keep US-Iran negotiations alive amid escalating threats from both sides. While some progress has been reported, disputes over Iran's uranium stockpile and control of the Strait of Hormuz remain unresolved.
US President Donald Trump has said he is willing to give diplomacy a few more days to reach an agreement with Iran before resuming military strikes. He cited requests from Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia for postponing hostilities and reiterated he will not offer sanctions relief until a peace deal is signed.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has threatened to expand the conflict beyond the Middle East if the US and Israel launch new attacks. The warning follows US President Donald Trump's mixed signals on negotiations, and comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts mediated by Pakistan.
The UK has signed a trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council, potentially generating £3.7 billion annually and removing tariffs on 93% of British goods. The deal has been praised for its economic potential but criticized for omitting a human rights chapter.